Roman to sell Chelsea

01 April 2011 11:31

Players offered club at substantial discount Roman Abramovich has rocked the foundations of Stamford Bridge by announcing he is selling the west London club. He is set to end his relationship with Chelsea at the end of the season, leaving the future of the Blues in doubt. Chelsea's owner is planning to auction off his 99.99% stake in Chelsea later this year, Chelsea-Mad can confirm. It's unclear just why Abramovich, who bought Chelsea in 2004 from Ken Bates, is selling the Blues, but our sources are suggesting that Abramovich is planning to run for polictical office back in Russia. He's being told that if he wants to do that, he must return and settle back in Moscow full-time. Currently Abramovich spends much of his time on his yacht, watching the Blues on matchday, and occaionally popping into the Bridge. Plans are afoot to invest the money raised from the sale of Chelsea into the creation of a new side in Moscow to be named Человек, одураченный 1 апреля FC Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck is the only other person to own a Chelsea share - one. It's believed that Abramovich has offered the club at a substantial discount to a players' consortium - giving the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard a real stake in the club. Terry and Lampard - along with Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba are considering the offer believed to be in the region of £100m. This is of course much less than what Abramovich would get on the open market. Abramovich has set up an account where he has transfered substantial amount of cash to act as a 'ring fence' to allow the club to function as normal. But doubts remain as to the viablility of the club to stay at the top of Engish football. Club officials are to meet with Premier Leagueand Football League chiefs next week about the possibility of Chelsea taking voluntary relegation into the Championship next season. Have your say in the messageborad NOW.